Cosmetic Dentistry
I – Introduction:
- Everyone dreams of the smile of magazine stars
- Discolored, chipped or missing teeth can affect self-confidence.
- A person who feels their teeth are unsightly may be reluctant to smile and leave their lips parted, or cover their mouth with their hand.
- Cosmetic dentistry is the general term for a range of dental procedures that aim to restore the aesthetics of a patient’s smile and to restore oral health to the patient.
II-Definition of cosmetic dentistry:
Cosmetic dentistry should be used to describe dental procedures that are performed, even in the absence of pathology, with the primary goal of improving the patient’s appearance.
III. Definition of biomemetics:
Is a concept that consists of reproducing a loss of substance in an anatomical, physiological and functional context
IV-Cosmetic dentistry techniques:
1. Aesthetic restoration:
It is the set of aesthetic restorations with composites carried out using stratification techniques and which aims to:
-Restore the morphology and aesthetics of anterior teeth that are decayed, fractured or affected by hereditary deformation (amelogenesis imperfecta)
-Hide the color of a tooth affected by dyschromia
-Reshape the shape of a tooth with a hereditary malformation (rice grain tooth)
-Close the interdental space in patients who refuse ODF treatment.
2. Teeth whitening:
-It is the set of clinical and paraclinical procedures which have the effect of restoring the original color of the colored tooth (dyschromia) and significantly improving the patient’s smile.
-Several techniques exist in the chair and outpatient, on vital or non-vital teeth, using different products e.g. sodium perborate, carbamide peroxide or others.
-It is a chemical treatment for dental dyschromia.
3. Aesthetic facets:
Veneers are thin prosthetic pieces made of cosmetic materials (porcelain, zirconia, resin) custom-made for shape and color in the dental laboratory. They are then bonded to the front of the tooth using an adhesion system to create a beautiful smile. There are several indications for veneers:
-Aesthetically to create a white and uniform smile
-To correct dental malformations
-To close interdental spaces
-To restore fractured anterior teeth
4. Dental crowns and bridges:
Crowns and bridges are prosthetic pieces that completely cover the tooth, restoring its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structures that cannot be repaired with a conventional filling.
Indications for a crown are fractured or decayed teeth, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, cosmetic improvement, or a cracked tooth.
There are several types of crowns, those made of porcelain, zirconia or resin.
A bridge can permanently replace one or more missing teeth. It restores aesthetics and oral functions (phonation, swallowing).
5. Crowns on implants:
In case of missing teeth, a crown mounted on an implant can be used to fill the gap.
An implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the missing root of a tooth. The process requires minor surgery to place the implant.
The bone then needs to be allowed to heal for four months so that the implant can fuse with the bone. This process is called osseointegration and provides a stable and durable foundation for the future crown.
The implant allows the missing tooth to be restored, thus restoring oral functions, and it also helps prevent bone lysis following tooth loss.
6. ODF processing:
Ectopic teeth, teeth in bad position, in rotation , in overlapping, or even spaced by diastemas can benefit from ODF treatment to improve their alignment and restore the aesthetics of the patient’s smile.
To do this, there are several ways, including edgewise therapy or clear alignment systems ( Invisalign) .
7. Gingivoplasty and periodontal surgery:
A hypotrophied or receding gum can be unsightly and poorly accepted by the patient.
These defects can be corrected by crown lengthening (gingivectomy) or by covering surgery in the event of root denudation
Cosmetic Dentistry
Wisdom teeth can cause infections if not removed in time.
Dental crowns protect teeth weakened by cavities or fractures.
Inflamed gums can be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis.
Clear aligners discreetly and comfortably correct teeth.
Modern dental fillings use biocompatible and aesthetic materials.
Interdental brushes remove food debris between teeth.
Adequate hydration helps maintain healthy saliva, which is essential for dental health.